2024 Vegan Protein Bars You Need to Try: Real Talk & Reviews
Let’s be real, vegan protein bars can sometimes taste like cardboard, And I know, we’ve all been there taking that first bite and feeling a bit like we’re chewing on a piece of a shoe.
But listen, not all of them are that bad. Honestly, there are some absolute gems out there that even the celebs swear by.
Like Kendall Jenner, she’s been spotted with a GoMacro bar in hand. If it’s good enough for a supermodel who’s always on the go, it’s gotta be worth a try, right? And then there’s Jillian Michaels, the queen of fitness herself, who’s all about RXBARs for their clean, simple ingredients that don’t mess around.
I’ve got you covered with a list that’s based on real reviews, proper ingredients, and some solid protein content.
Best Vegan Protein Bars of 2024
1. Misfits Vegan Protein Bar
Standout Qualities:
- Ingredients: Pea protein, cocoa butter, chicory root fiber, dates—proper clean, no nonsense.
- Protein Content: 15g per bar.
- Nutritional Highlights: This bar is all about keeping it clean—no fillers, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with dates. If you’re trying to avoid the fake stuff, this one’s for you. Plus, it’s got a bit of a cult following on TikTok, with users raving about how it doesn’t taste like your usual vegan cardboard.
- Taste and Texture: Soft, chewy, and packed with a rich chocolate flavor. It feels indulgent, but you’re not regretting it after.
Potential Drawback: The sweetness from dates might be a bit much if you prefer less sweet options.
2. Barebells Vegan Protein Bar
Standout Qualities:
- Ingredients: Soy protein isolate, pea protein, sweeteners (maltitol, stevia), cocoa butter, cocoa mass, and natural flavors.
- Protein Content: 20g per bar.
- Nutritional Highlights: High protein, low sugar—these bars feel indulgent but keep things healthy. Fitness influencers are all over Barebells for their post-workout fixes because they’re as close to a chocolate bar as you can get without the guilt.
- Taste and Texture: Creamy and chocolatey, like a dessert in a bar, without the guilt.
Potential Drawback: The use of artificial sweeteners like maltitol might leave a slight aftertaste.
3. Trek Protein Energy Bar
Standout Qualities:
- Ingredients: Oats, dates, raisins, soya protein, peanuts, and cocoa.
- Protein Content: 10g per bar.
- Nutritional Highlights: Packed with whole, natural ingredients and free from added sugars, it’s a solid, wholesome choice. These bars are a bit of a staple in the UK hiking scene, loved for being both tasty and fuel-efficient.
- Taste and Texture: Dense, chewy, and naturally sweet with a nice crunch.
Potential Drawback: The texture can be a bit dry for some people.
4. Nugo Dark Vegan Protein Bar
Standout Qualities:
- Ingredients: Organic brown rice protein, pea protein, dark chocolate, inulin, and organic tapioca syrup.
- Protein Content: 10g per bar.
- Nutritional Highlights: Certified vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, with a rich dark chocolate coating that feels like a treat. It’s the kind of bar that makes you feel like you’re sneaking in a dessert—no wonder it’s got its fans among chocolate lovers trying to stay healthy.
- Taste and Texture: Rich and chocolatey with a satisfying crunch.
Potential Drawback: Inulin fiber can cause bloating in some people.
5. Pulsin’ Protein Booster
Standout Qualities:
- Ingredients: Pea protein, cashews, dates, cacao powder, and brown rice malt.
- Protein Content: 13g per bar.
- Nutritional Highlights: No added sugar, dairy-free, and a great source of clean protein—ideal for a post-workout snack. Pulsin’ has a bit of a niche following among those who are all about that earthy, natural vibe.
- Taste and Texture: Rich and earthy with a deep chocolate flavor, and quite filling.
Potential Drawback: The bar can be a bit sticky due to the dates.
2. Barebells Vegan Protein Bar
Standout Qualities:
- Ingredients: Soy protein isolate, pea protein, sweeteners (maltitol, stevia), cocoa butter, cocoa mass, and natural flavors.
- Protein Content: 20g per bar.
- Nutritional Highlights: High protein, low sugar—these bars feel indulgent but keep things healthy. Fitness influencers are all over Barebells for their post-workout fixes because they’re as close to a chocolate bar as you can get without the guilt.
- Taste and Texture: Creamy and chocolatey, like a dessert in a bar, without the guilt.
Potential Drawback: The use of artificial sweeteners like maltitol might leave a slight aftertaste.